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July
2007FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE...
Consumers and Retailers to
Bear Burden of Stereo-Optional
Converter Boxes during DTV Transition
THAT Corp. Calls for
Full-Disclosure Labeling about Lack of Built-in Stereo Sound
for Americans Relying on NTIA Subsidy Program
July 25, 2007, Washington, DC- In a letter addressed to the
Assistant Secretary for Communication and Information at the National
Telecommunications and Information Administration of the U.S.
Department of Commerce, THAT Corporation Chief Executive Officer
Leslie Tyler called for full disclosure in the form of prominent
labeling of the capabilities and more importantly-the limitations-of
the hotly anticipated digital television transition (DTV) converter
boxes. Under the current NTIA converter box specifications, stereo
sound, also known as BTSC, is optional and will only be included at
the discretion of individual manufacturers. In fact, based on these
specifications, the DTV transition could result in a degraded
television viewing experience for as many as 75 million Americans who
will likely rely on the converter boxes to receive digital signals
starting in February 2009.
According to Tyler, these affected Americans, primarily elderly,
low-income and minority individuals, must be given complete
information on the capabilities and shortcomings of converter boxes
before they actually purchase one. Tyler believes that failure to
provide such disclosure will result in significant consumer
disappointment and a high level of retail returns, ultimately creating
an administrative and financial nightmare for all parties.
"If the NTIA is not going to require BTSC stereo, it is in the
interest of consumers, retailers and taxpayers that boxes be clearly
and prominently labeled-enough to leave no doubt in the consumer's
mind before purchase as to which boxes contain stereo technology and
which do not," Tyler said.
THAT Corp. is also encouraging converter box manufacturers to
include stereo sound in the boxes they provide to retailers and
ultimately consumers. Tyler estimates that it would cost manufacturers
as little as 40 cents per box-about the cost of a postage stamp-to
include stereo technology and ensure that those who buy their boxes
maintain their current television viewing experience.
"Consumers have an absolute right to know whether the
converter box they purchase will preserve or degrade the performance
of their current television equipment…Without BTSC stereo, most
Americans who purchase converter boxes will be deprived of the stereo
audio that they have come to enjoy as part of their current television
viewing experience," Tyler wrote.
To view the letter in its entirety, follow this
link: THAT's Letter to to the National
Telecommunications and Information Administration of the U.S.
Department of Commerce.
About THAT Corporation
Founded in 1989, THAT Corporation designs and sells
high-performance analog integrated circuits for professional audio
manufacturers, including InGenius®
balanced line inputs, microphone
preamplifiers, Analog
Engine® dynamic processors, and industry-standard IC
voltage-controlled amplifiers (VCAs). The company also licenses
patents, trademarks, and other intellectual property to the TV
broadcast and reception industries under the dbx-TV™
brand. The company is headquartered in Milford,
MA, and manufactures semiconductors in its own fab located in Milpitas, CA.
THAT maintains offices in Tokyo,
Japan, Atlanta, GA, and
Vashon, WA.
THAT
Corporation,
45
Sumner Street,
Milford
,
MA
01757-1656
,
USA
Telephone: +1.508.478.9200; Fax +1.508.478.0990
Email: dbx-tv@thatcorp.com
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